The inter-island fast ferry service, L’Express des Iles [EDI], based in Guadeloupe, hosted a familiarisation trip for the Guadeloupe Customs and Immigration Departments.

In organizing the one-day excursion to Dominica, the Managing Director of L’Express des Iles, Roland Bellemare aimed to showcase Dominica’s tourism product and allow for discussion between Dominica and Guadeloupe’s Customs and Immigration personnel.

The Luncheon was a successful conclusion to the Famtrip, with exchange between Dominican and Guadeloupian Immigrations and Customs Departments expressing issues, asking questions and at the close of the meeting, finding common ground and clarification on items of concern.

The main point of discussion was the requirements for travel in to, and out of, Dominica to Guadeloupe, and vice versa. It was recognized that Agents of L’Express des Iles play a vital role in the issuance of tickets to Dominican’s and other foreign passengers traveling on the service, into Guadeloupe and the other islands on the ferry’s route. Once the necessary documentation is clarified and requested by same, the process for travel will become easier between the two territories.

Travelling out of Dominica (Dominican/foreign passport holder) to Guadeloupe, passengers must have a valid Passport, Travel Insurance and Proof of Accommodation in Guadeloupe. French persons (Guadeloupians, etc.), must have a valid Passport or a National Identification Card (Driver’s License unacceptable) to enter Dominica. The issue of babies travelling with their mother’s also surfaced, and it is a requirement that the baby must have a valid picture identification card, whether it is a passport, or if they are registered on their mother’s passport. This is for both territories. A common concern was expired passports. Any person travelling on the EDI ferry service must hold a valid Passport.

At the close of the Luncheon it was determined that more interaction along these lines would ease the travel strains often experienced between the islands. Thanks were expressed to Bellemare and L’Express des Iles for the insightful exercise. Many of the Officers promised to come back to visit socially with their families, some even promising to return for the World Creole Music Festival.

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4 Comments

Like or Dislike: 00Dominican PrincessSeptember 13, 2010

I first tried the ferry service in 2008 and will not travel any other way, they are reliable, affordable but could be more punctual. Nevertheless, still the best way for me to travel to Dominica. I would suggest that they make changes to their ports in St Lucia and Guadeloupe, I have not visited the other’s. The Dominican port in Roseau should be duplicated in these locations, it has less opportunity for people to push and shove their way to the doors. Otherwise great work!!!

That’s a very good move by the management of the fast ferry (EDI), This type of interaction by both sides need to continued. Well done express
However i would like to see our immigration and customs departments merge into one department, and become more proffessional.I suggest a change of uniform and more pride in personal appearance. I’m looking forward to reading some comments. Let’s start a meaningful dialogue that will help to make a positive change.

there has always been positve and negative critisism where Exppress is concerned but I have always believed that the good always overrode the Bad. That is a very good initiative by Express des Iles. Lets hope that this is not the end of the good relations between the two authorities in an effort to eliviate the stress of travelling to the French countries.

i think that is a good move,we are tired of having the dominican custom say one thing and the guadeloupe custom say another,as partners they must organize more regular meetings of that sort, this will serve both parties and the public at large.